Matthew originally attributed symptoms of fatigue and stomach pain to the after-effects of a Covid injection but was then diagnosed with cancer
Matthew Clarke is a former broadcast journalist, living in Cornwall. In 2021 he started experiencing fatigue (an extreme sense of tiredness and lack of energy) and acute discomfort in his stomach.
He attributed these symptoms to the after-effects of a Covid injection or possibly even long Covid. However, when lumps appeared in his neck at Christmas, Matthew realised something else was wrong and sought help.
Cancer diagnosis left Matthew numb
Chemo left Matthew feeling nauseous, fatigued and anxious
His suspicions were unfortunately proved right when he was diagnosed with large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Matthew received his stage 3 diagnosis with stoicism and a decision that he would do whatever was necessary to fight the disease.
“Initially, I felt fairly emotionless about the diagnosis,” Matthew recalls. “But I do remember wondering whether the oncoming spring would be the last one I would see.”
However, some tough life events had prepared Matthew to take an objective approach to challenges and to keep his emotions in check.
“Experiences such as being bullied at school and at work, and the recent death of my father have combined to toughen me up already,” says Matthew matter-of-factly.
Cancer treatment took its toll
At a time when Matthew was feeling extremely low, a Chemo Kit arrived from Cancer Support UK and put a smile on his face
The treatment plans were brutal and took their toll on Matthew’s physical and emotional endurance. Cycles of chemotherapy, trial drugs and a stem cell transplant, were followed by 12 cycles of a new targeted treatment called glofitamab.
“The first chemo campaign left me nauseous, fatigued and anxious. I struggled to climb the stairs to my flat, but I saw it as a challenge. Friends supported me with shopping and took me to appointments.”
Initially, Matthew coped without pain relief. But when he relapsed after the first round of treatment, he needed a lot of medication to cope with pain in his abdomen and stomach.
Despite being emotionally and physically compromised, he managed to gather enough strength to endure the second treatment phase.
Coping with the physical and emotional stress of cancer
“I managed to get through the initial chemo fairly well, but the stem cell transplant completely wiped me out for four months.
Despite a good response (initially) to the treatment, Matthew subsequently faced the bitter disappointment of another relapse.
“I was in even more pain and frequently curled up on the floor in agony. Painkillers did nothing to alleviate the pain.
“The initial seven cycles of glofitamab went smoothly without side effects, apart from fatigue, but the cumulative effect of the drugs started making me feel as though I was relapsing again.
“However, luckily scans showed it was not a relapse and these side effects are now fading.”
A Cancer Kit brings practical and emotional support
At a time when Matthew was feeling extremely low, a Chemo Kit arrived from Cancer Support UK. He was thrilled to receive the bag full of thoughtfully chosen goodies.
“The contents were useful, as well as comforting. The lemon sherbets were the first opened! The tea is lovely and the practical items, such as the mouthwash and toothpaste, went straight into action. The cosy socks helped me greatly during winter.
“Everything in the kit was very welcome and highly appreciated. It was a sign that people care. Thank you so much.”
His mother and close friends were also a source of support, and Matthew also used social media to update his wider circle on his situation.
But without doubt, cancer has impacted Matthew in almost every area of his life.
Rebuilding life after cancer
“I am self-employed so I am concerned about how I am going to rebuild income. My priorities and interests seem to have changed, too, and I am unsure whether I want to go back to doing what I did before.
To protect his reduced immune system, he chose to stop visiting pubs and cafes, which consequently left him feeling isolated. His love of walking is also compromised, as he no longer has the stamina to walk distances.
However, cancer has strengthened his bond with those friends who supported him through his illness.
Despite all these setbacks, Matthew is determined to raise greater awareness of cancer through a podcast series, which brings to life the voices of those affected by or involved with cancer.
Currently, Matthew is back in remission, although he is coping with a severely damaged immune system.
No one should face cancer alone – help us send Cancer Kits
Stories like Matthew’s show how important it is that no one faces cancer alone. With your support, we can send more Cancer Kits to people going through treatment – providing care, comfort and a reminder that someone truly cares.
Please help by joining our Cancer Support UK Lottery. Every ticket funds comfort and support for people like Matthew, while giving you the chance to win.
